We confess that we wrote too pessimistically of Italy's open
door. The splendid gallantry and enduranc3 shown by her troops prove that she can shut the dour, but that dons not alter the fact that when Austria holds the heights the door is a very difficult one to defend and keep barred. That is what Italy is finding at this moment. But our faith remains entirely unshaken that General Cadorna will ultimately be able to check the Austrian advance in the Trentino, and that the Austrians will not be able to reach Verona, or even the " olive silvery Sirmi o." The Italians in the Trentino are fighting for their national existence, and they know it. The Austrians' efforts have, it is certain, cost Austria very dear. She has got her best troops engaged against Italy, and is using them up—that is, using up troops who when the Russian advance begins again in Galicia will be very badly wanted.
